JP2023510498A - Thickness compensation in cutting and bending - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and planner for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan for a workpiece to be machined by a machine. The method includes measuring a workpiece characteristic including a thickness parameter of the workpiece and providing at least one supplemental machining plan specific to the measured workpiece characteristic. In accordance with the present invention, measurements of workpiece properties are made prior to beginning machining of the workpiece. Therefore, time and materials can be saved, and scrap and waste are reduced.

Description

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and planner and automation system for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan for a workpiece to be machined.

The present invention focuses on metalworking, in particular sheet metal working. Cutting and bending are significant challenges in the metalworking industry. For best results, the physical peculiarities of the process and the properties of the metal must be considered. Cutting is the partial or complete separation of a body or system into two or more parts. By carefully programming and applying the cutting parameters to the cutting machine, it is possible to quickly and accurately cut sheet metal into two or more pieces by achieving good tolerance values and good edge quality. can. Inaccuracies in the sheet metal manufacturing process can change the properties of the sheet metal. If the properties change, the operator must intervene in the cutting process. The operator must change the parameters of the cutter and try again if the cut quality meets the requirements. Traditional cutting manufacturing is highly automated and requires fewer operators. This can be a problem if the properties of the sheet metal change while the sheet metal is being processed and during the cutting process. These problems can be overcome with the use of options and features, which can help deal with continuous problems.

Regarding bending, the processing is different compared to cutting. Bending is a manufacturing process that can create different shapes along a linear axis in ductile materials, most commonly sheet metal. Bending is the shaping of sheet metal by applying a force that acts uniformly and linearly over a given length, point-by-point or as a line load. This force is also called bending moment. Bending of sheet metal can be accomplished with press brakes, round benders, and stamping machines. Conventional bending machines provide a solution for ensuring good bending angle tolerances. Bend angle variations can occur for a variety of reasons, or a combination of reasons. These reasons can be sheet metal thickness variations, sheet metal grain orientation variations, and tensile strength variations. A further reason is bend radius variability, which is often, but not limited to, a result of plate thickness variability, grain orientation, and tensile strength variability.

Sheet metal bending includes folding, wiping, air bending, coining, bottoming, edge bending, and is done in principle by folding a sheet metal surface over a remaining surface. Depending on the tools or industrial processes and machines used, the relevant properties of the workpiece, such as bend edges, bend angles or bend radii, are more or less precisely defined and reproducible. Bend allowance and sheet metal flanges must be considered and pre-planned for accurate machining dimensions. For this planning, the correct properties of the metal sheet must be taken into account, especially the thickness, for example.

Current cutting and bending operations in the state of the art set the machine based on theoretical values (eg theoretical or nominal thickness of the sheet metal) provided by the sheet metal feeder. Alternatively, sheet metal thickness may be measured manually by a machine operator, typically a bending machine operator. However, even so, the thickness value can only be used to adjust the bend angle. For example, it cannot be used to adjust the size of flat blanks and the overall machining plan using backgauges. In addition, there is a risk that incorrect values may be used in sheet metal processing, leading to processing errors, because the values given are incorrect or may vary across the sheet metal.

Several systems are known for compensating or correcting the problem of erroneous thickness values and, as a result, erroneous calculation of bend angles in the state of the art. For example, Swiss Patent No. 654761 and US Pat. No. 5,375,340 disclose mechanical measurement systems for measuring bending accuracy. Further systems for measuring bend angles with optics are also known. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/111177 discloses sheet thickness variation compensation. The major press brake suppliers offer the solutions disclosed in the cited patent documents and have achieved bend angle results within 0.5°. Only the most expensive systems have the solution disclosed in the patent document CH 654761, US Pat. No. 5,375,340 for in-process correction of the bend angle. The solution disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/111177 can be done in-process, but often can only provide a partial solution. Therefore, a system that provides a solution for correcting erroneously calculated bend angles requires a high investment.

A further factor in incorrect or inaccurate flanges is the perpendicularity of the cut edge. This is where the operator presses against the backgauge. When this edge is not perfectly square, the flange will have the wrong dimensions and will therefore be bent at the wrong location. Also, burrs on the edges can be a problem. Thus, the flange dimensions are directly dependent on the edge quality. Thus, the quality of the cutting process affects the quality of the subsequent bending process.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a flow chart of a state-of-the-art method for producing bent parts. Software 300 is provided for operating a 3D part manufacturing machine that processes a 3D data format 301 representing a 3D part to be manufactured. The 3D part is developed in a plane shape. This shape is used to program computer programs 302 that run on the respective machines for cutting and bending. In particular, program 302 contains instructions on how to cut and bend metal sheets. A processing machine 310 , such as a laser cutting machine and/or an automated system, is loaded with a metal sheet 311 . A program 302 is loaded into the processing machine 310 . The processing machine 310 executes the program 302 and cuts the sheet metal according to the plan (program 302). After performing the cutting process, the cut parts are transported to further processing machines 320 such as bending machines and/or automated systems. Processing device 320 receives the cut parts and loads program 302 . The processing machine 320 (bending machine) executes the program 302 and bends the cut parts according to the plan (program 302). In the methods of the state of the art, the processes are treated separately, without being related to each other and to the material properties of the sheet metal used to fabricate the cut parts. Therefore, the method does not take into account the specific parameters of the sheet metal. In certain systems, the operator may manually adjust certain settings of the encoding program for bending. In particular, during bending, the operator can only adjust the bend angle with respect to thickness changes. Flat blank or backgauge parameters remain unconsidered. That is, even if the operator had access to state-of-the-art equipment, it would be difficult to get the parts cut within all set tolerances as required. It is also more difficult to cut without producing any scrap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows sheet metal processing to be performed with greater accuracy and to improve the generation of processing plans in response to actual measured sheet properties. Furthermore, the quality of subsequent processing (eg bending) must be guaranteed even if the material properties change or are not perfect. Furthermore, when generating a machining plan for previous machining steps (eg, cutting) in view of the actual material properties, the requirements of subsequent machining must be taken into account.

This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous variants, improvements and options are described in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

According to a first aspect, the task is computer-implemented for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan for a workpiece to be machined by a machining machine (e.g. a laser cutting machine and a subsequent bending machine). solved by a method. The computer-implemented method comprises:
- measuring workpiece properties, including workpiece thickness parameters;
- providing at least one supplemental machining plan specific to the measured workpiece properties.

The following defines terms used within this application in more detail.

The supplemental machining plan includes instructions executed on the machine that cause the cutting and/or bending of the metal sheet (cutting and/or bending). A supplemental machining plan is a modified version of a previously programmed machining plan. Depending on the measured workpiece properties, either the cutting plan or the bending plan or both must be modified. Rework in the sense of the present invention means taking into account the measured workpiece properties when programming the commands and/or parameters of the supplemental machining plan for cutting and/or bending sheet metal.

In the present context, workpiece should be understood to mean a particular sheet metal. The sheet metal can be composed of different materials and may have different dimensions and/or different material properties, for example different thickness values on one sheet, or even different thicknesses or other material properties. may have a value. It is further conceivable that other workpieces such as metal profiles or tubes can be machined with the invention as sheet metal.

Furthermore, in the present context, machining of workpieces is understood to mean cutting and/or bending metal machining. Both processes can be performed independently of each other on one processing machine or on two separate processing machines. Further, it will be appreciated that only one of either bending or cutting is performed. A supplemental machining plan is preferably provided for at least the cutting machining.

Further in this context, the processing machine can be designed to comprise both a cutting machine and a bending machine. Both the cutting machine and the bending machine can be combined in one housing. Typically, the cutting machine and the bending machine are separately provided in separate housings. The transport of the workpieces to the respective processing machines can be done by a transport and lifting unit or an automated system. An operator or robot can lift the metal sheet on the transport and lift unit, which transports the metal sheet into the processing machine. The same transport and lifting unit or further units may transport the cut parts from the cutting machine to the bending machine. In a further embodiment, multiple transport and lifting units are used to accomplish the transport operation. The cutting machine may be equipped with a laser for laser cutting. This embodiment has the technical advantage that interdependencies between both processes can be taken into account. This is based on the fact that cutting quality affects bending quality. For example, edge quality is important for bending and affects the position of the bend line. Also, if the thickness of the material varies, contacting the matrix may solve the problem.

An advantage of the method and planner according to the invention is that the necessary parameters are measured in order to adapt the machining plan and obtain at least one supplementary machining plan before machining the workpiece. In addition, a supplemental machining plan is provided before starting to cut the workpiece. Machining is adapted taking into account material properties (eg thickness).

In the present invention, material variations that caused cutting/bending problems in the prior art systems described above are detected before the entire cutting process begins, thus eliminating the need to manually adjust specific cutting parameters. , guaranteeing more stable and continuous processing.

Furthermore, the present invention allows bending parts to be programmed and manufactured within higher tolerances without corrections during bending and without the use of external measuring equipment. Thus, time and materials are saved, scrap and waste are reduced, while the quality of the sheet metal product is improved.

Also, with standardized machines, bent parts can be produced with better accuracy and with varying sheet metal thicknesses. Additionally, the reliability of the overall automated system is improved.

Advantageous embodiments of the computer-implemented method according to the first aspect are described below. It should be understood that the described embodiments may be freely combined with each other, thereby creating synergistic effects.

In some advantageous embodiments, at least one supplemental machining plan may be specific to a property distribution on the workpiece (eg, thickness distribution on the workpiece to be cut). At least one supplemental machining plan may be adapted to subsequent machining requirements (eg, bending requirements). In general, supplemental machining plans may include cutting plans or bending plans. In alternate embodiments, the supplemental machining plans may include bending plans and cutting plans. Advantageously, the present invention can be used in both metalworking methods. Furthermore, existing machining plans, in particular cutting and/or bending plans, can be adapted to subsequent machining requirements. Subsequent processing requirements may include cutting or bending requirements. Bend requirements may include the material to be bent, the bend length, the bend angle, the machine used for bending, the thickness of the material, the grain of the material, and the like. Advantageously, the material properties and their distribution on the two-dimensional sheet material are determined before processing begins. This result is included in the calculated supplemental machining plan. Cutting requirements are similar and are included in the supplemental machining plan used to perform the cutting process.

In some advantageous embodiments, the processing of the workpiece comprises cutting, in particular cutting with a laser cutter, and the supplemental machining plan is a supplemental cutting plan of the laser cutter. Laser cutting machines are becoming more and more important in modern industry due to the increasing demand for high precision products. Laser cutters can cut a variety of materials such as iron, copper, aluminum, titanium, and gold. Laser cutting machines perform each cutting task with ease and precision. Advantageously, a supplemental cutting plan is provided before starting the cutting process. In particular, the supplemental cutting plan includes properties of the workpiece to be machined. In this way, the cutting process can be adapted to the unique workpiece characteristics of each workpiece to be machined, and even to the potentially different cut part characteristics of a single workpiece. As a result, quality can be improved and the amount of scrap can be reduced as well.

In some advantageous embodiments, processing the workpiece may include cutting and subsequent bending of the workpiece, wherein at least the cutting plan is supplemented based on measured workpiece properties and further based on subsequent bending requirements. be. Using the exact thickness value "only" to calculate the supplemental cutting plan (not including post-bending) provides the technical advantage of being able to improve edge quality and perpendicularity . Furthermore, the cutting parameters of the laser machining head may be adapted, for example. For example, speed, focus position, etc. can be adapted.

Thus, only the cutting plan is adapted in certain embodiments. Bend plans may be used without modification. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the bending plan may also be adapted based on the measured workpiece properties. Also, a supplemental cutting plan is calculated according to the measured workpiece properties and the technical requirements of the subsequent bending process. For example, thicker parts may need to be cut longer to achieve adequate 3D part quality after bending. A supplemented cutting plan improves edge quality and using the correct thickness can improve perpendicularity. Furthermore, the parameters of the cutting process itself can be changed to better adjust to the workpiece to be processed. Parameters may include velocity, focus position, and the like.

In some advantageous embodiments, at least one supplemental machining plan is provided prior to commencing machining. Alternatively, properties of the workpiece are measured prior to machining the workpiece. In this way, a supplemental machining plan can be provided that is adapted to the measured properties of the workpiece to be machined. Thereby, material variations are taken into account and the processing is adapted to the corresponding material variations.

In some advantageous embodiments, the method further comprises providing the processing machine with a supplemental processing plan. In some advantageous embodiments, the method further includes operating the machine using the supplemental machining plan. Providing the supplemental machining plan to the machine includes replacing the existing machining plan with the supplemental machining plan adapted to the measured workpiece characteristics. Additionally, replacement may include deleting the existing machining from the central processing unit or memory of the machine and uploading a supplemental machining plan for execution. Advantageously, the machine executes a supplemental machining plan containing instructions for controlling the machine according to the measured workpiece properties.

In some advantageous embodiments, the providing is performed by calculating at least one supplemental machining plan in an online procedure after the material properties are measured. In the on-line procedure, a machining plan, specifically a generic machining plan containing instructions for performing a characteristic-independent machining on each workpiece, is uploaded to the machine. Workpiece properties, such as work piece thickness, are measured during the on-line procedure, and the existing machining plan is updated according to the measurements, resulting in the simultaneous generation of a supplemental machining plan. The thickness of the workpiece, for example sheet metal thickness, is measured.

In one embodiment, measuring may include dividing the workpiece into grids and measuring corresponding properties for each area of the grid. A grid may be defined according to a cutting plan such that one part is contained within one grid. The grid structure can be regular or irregular. The size of the grid and the number of each region are scalable. The scaling of the grid can be adjusted according to the deviation from the expected value of the property. Advantageously, dense scaling may obtain more precise information on whether properties have changed on the workpiece or have remained the same. In a preferred embodiment, various workpiece properties are measured for each area of the grid. Measured workpiece values that differ from the corresponding values stored in the existing machining plan replace the existing machining plan values. As a result of the value substitution, a complementary machining plan is obtained. In this way, unnecessary calculations are avoided.

Measurement of workpiece properties can be performed prior to transporting the workpiece to the processing machine, for example in a warehouse or at a location different from the processing environment. In one embodiment, workpiece property measurements may be performed at the transport unit (automation unit) of the processing machine. In a preferred embodiment, measurements of workpiece properties may be made within the machine.

In some advantageous embodiments, providing a supplemental processing plan may be performed by an off-line procedure. The off-line procedure involves selecting an appropriate machining plan from a set of pre-calculated machining plans for different workpiece characteristics. Advantageously, by using an off-line procedure, a varying number of pre-calculated machining plans are provided. The pre-computed machining plan is stored in a memory unit of the machine, or in a memory connected to the machine, eg in a server, cloud. Pre-calculated machining plans are calculated and programmed for different combinations of workpiece properties and property values. For example, different cutting and bending process plans are generated in various theoretical combinations. In one embodiment, the workpiece is divided into patterns or grids. Each area of the grid may have a different value of the corresponding work property (which is measurable). A machining plan is generated and stored in memory for each work property combination and work property value for a particular area of each grid. The size of the grid and the number of each zone are scalable. The scaling of the grid can be adjusted according to the deviation from the expected value of the property. The finest scale or measurement can be the size of the part (cut from the workpiece), which means that one measurement is taken per part. In this case, the workpiece properties are adapted for each cut part. For even finer scaling, more than one measurement can be performed for one cut part or grid.

In the off-line procedure, work properties of the work to be machined are measured. For example, the thickness of a workpiece, eg sheet metal, is measured. A set of supplemental machining plans are pre-generated and stored as described above. From this set of complementary machining plans, a good matching plan is selected that has the same characteristic values or at least very slight deviations. The selected plan is then uploaded to the machine that processes the workpiece.

Supplemental machining plan calculations are performed off-line during the normal calculation and programming stages. The generation of supplemental machining plans is done in the background. It takes, for example, only a few milliseconds to generate one supplemental machining plan. Generating 32 or more supplemental machining plans takes only a few seconds. Generation can be successfully completed before the software operator reaches the end of the normal programming cycle.

Advantageously, in the offline procedure all machining plans are always available. These machining plans can be provided to other machines. Statistical understanding of how sheet metal will be delivered by having different machining plans available and cutting patterns of different thickness and hardness on other machining machines without the use of measuring equipment Further machining plans can be automatically applied.

In one embodiment, measured properties and/or property values that deviate from existing machining plan values may be stored in a memory unit, eg, a database. Also, the stored values that will generate the supplemental machining plan may be used to train an artificial intelligence structure. Artificial intelligence structures may include or consist of artificial neural networks. Artificial intelligence structures may implement forward models that may be based on computational fluid dynamics, electrophysiology, electromechanical techniques, and the like. The artificial intelligence structure may be configured to generate pseudo supplemental machining plans, especially by treating workpiece characteristics as inputs. A pseudo supplemental machining plan may map the frequency of determined workpiece characteristics.

In some advantageous embodiments, the workpiece characteristics include a set of parameters. The parameters include thickness parameters, which may be measured by pressure sensors or strain gauges. The thickness parameter is a parameter that must be considered when performing bending. The bending margin also depends on the material to be bent and the sheet metal thickness (ratio of thickness to radius). Correctly determining the thickness parameter and taking it into account when generating the machining plan improves the accuracy of the manufacturing process and reduces the amount of scrap.

In other advantageous embodiments, the parameters may include material structural parameters measured by an X-ray spectrometer. X-ray spectrometers use a focused beam of charged particles to excite X-rays within a workpiece, allowing qualitative and quantitative analysis of materials. There are two main types of analysis using X-ray spectrometers: energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which measures the energy of photons emitted by the workpiece, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which counts the number of diffracted single-wavelength X-rays. Material structure can also affect the processing of the workpiece. Knowing about the structure of the workpiece allows adaptation of the machining plan.

In some advantageous embodiments, the workpiece properties/parameters may include material hardenability parameters. Quenching is a metallurgical metalworking process for increasing the hardness of metals. The hardness of a metal is directly proportional to the uniaxial yield stress at the strained location. A hard metal will have a higher resistance to plastic deformation than a less hard metal. The hardenability parameter or short hardness parameter describes the hardening of the workpiece. These are measured using a hardness tester. A hardness tester is a device used to conduct comparative tests to measure hardness. A hardness tester generally has an indenter. With this indenter, the workpiece is usually loaded with a determined force for a specified period of time. This produces an indentation, which is measured optically or manually with a vernier caliper. Alternatively, penetration depth is measured and evaluated. In general, hardness (surface) directly affects the punch's ability to penetrate the surface of the material, which causes a physical depression in the material, and to reach the correct angle, the calculated penetration depth must be equal to the depth of this depression. must be added. Hardness also affects the shape of the deformation itself, which in turn affects the inner radius.

The parameters may include grain parameters. This has the technical background that the orientation of the material grains affects the "toughness" of the material. The radius is different for each direction. This changes the penetration depth required to reach the correct angle. A camera may suffice, as in some materials it is possible to "see" the grain direction. Since the sheets all come from one coil, most of the sheets are fed into the machine with the same grain orientation. The parts can be "nested" in different directions so that the bend lines are in different grain directions. However, in some applications the sheet metal can be reused. In this case, the grain orientation can be "lost". Image analysis of the sheet metal surface can be used to recognize grain orientation.

In some advantageous embodiments, workpiece properties (and related parameters) may include internal tensile strength and/or tensile yield strength parameters. Yield strength affects the springback and radius of the material and thus directly affects bending results. Yield strength can be measured by combining hardness and material composition. Color changes also indicate differences in tensile strength and yield strength, which are detected and analyzed.

In some advantageous embodiments, workpiece properties (parameters) may include temperature parameters and/or other material property parameters. Temperature can cause changes in the length of the metal. In particular, different workpieces may have different temperature coefficients, which must be taken into account while cutting and bending. Changes in workpiece length during processing can result in quality degradation or scrap.

All the parameters mentioned above will be known during processing. They will follow a model defined based on initial measurements. The set of parameters may be provisionally configurable and/or extensible. This has the technical advantage that supplemental machining plans are easier to adjust and scale to specific applications and use cases.

In some advantageous embodiments, the workpiece thickness parameter is measured only once during a measurement cycle or workpiece entry in an automated system, in particular during a table change. An automated system in the present context should be understood to mean a system that transports or provides workpieces to a processing machine. The automated system may comprise a conveyor belt and a transport and lift unit with transport and lift functions. The transport and lifting unit may consist of conveyor rollers for moving the workpiece and a lifting table for compensating for a certain height difference. The automated system may include means for measuring workpieces, particularly workpiece characteristics. Taking only one measurement of the thickness parameter is more efficient because only one measurement has to be performed.

In some advantageous embodiments, workpiece properties, in particular thickness parameters, are measured in a position-independent manner. Therefore, the thickness parameter is measured only once or at only one point. This result serves as an index showing the entire work. In this way, the method of making measurements becomes more efficient and simple.

In some further advantageous embodiments, workpiece properties, in particular thickness parameters, are measured multiple times at different locations on the workpiece to obtain a two-dimensional spatially resolved characteristic map of the workpiece. Advantageously, multiple measurements provide a much more detailed overview of the thickness parameters from the workpiece, which has the advantage of complementing the machining plan at a part-specific level of detail.

In some advantageous embodiments, the workpiece thickness is measured by at least one distance sensor. Thickness measurements can be performed with both contact and non-contact sensors, with non-contact measurement methods offering advantages in terms of accuracy and speed of measurement. Single-sided thickness measurements are performed with non-contact sensors only. Only one sensor is used to measure the workpiece thickness and either only a portion of the measured workpiece thickness (eg layer thickness) or the complete measured workpiece thickness is measured. Double-sided thickness measurements are performed with at least one set of sensors mounted together on one axis. This sensor pair performs measurements synchronously on the measurement object. The difference between each measurement is the workpiece thickness.

Depending on the use case, it is necessary to ascertain what kind of measurement principle can be used to measure the thickness of a metal sheet. Laser sensors can be used. Laser sensors offer high resolution and measurement rate at high base distances. In one embodiment, capacitive or eddy current sensors can be used that provide higher resolution than laser sensors. An advantage of eddy-current sensors is that they only respond to metallic objects. For example, if liquid or non-metallic foreign matter is present in the gap during measurement, the measurement will not be affected. Capacitive sensors also overcome this challenge. Capacitive sensors offer resolution in the nanometer range, but require a clean environment.

Additionally, a range sensor or set of range sensors may be used. As there is more space available in the automated system, there is space for integrating at least one and preferably two sensors. Alternatively, by providing a reference surface, only one sensor may be used.

In some advantageous embodiments the distance sensor is arranged on the transfer unit of the automated system. In another preferred embodiment a thickness sensor may be used instead of the distance sensor. A thickness sensor can be applied and used wherever a distance sensor is mentioned herein.

In some advantageous embodiments, the thickness sensor or distance sensor may be placed on a different machine or location, such as the laser head of a laser cutting machine. Preferably, the sensor is remotely located on another machine in data exchange with the planner. The remote machine drills or mills the workpiece before and/or after laser cutting. In this case, the laser cutting machine does not require any ancillaries (eg sensors).

In some advantageous embodiments the sensor is located on the drill head or another machining head. In this case, it is also possible to use the spindle as a sensor. In this case, there is a technical advantage that not only thickness information but also the hardness of the material can be obtained by drilling. As a result, two different parameters can be estimated from one sensor.

In some advantageous embodiments, a part-specific feature that maps the measured workpiece properties to the specific parts that were cut, each cut part being marked with a property-specific identification code. functions are provided. Preferably, the property-specific identification code may be embodied as an index (eg number/name) on the part. The "leftovers" (data required for the identification procedure) may be stored in a database. A particular cut part can be evaluated as having various material properties, such as thickness and/or hardness. Additionally, property-specific identification codes can be used to identify parts with corresponding properties. Furthermore, the property-specific identification code contains the identification information of the particular part, and the required information, in particular property values, are stored in memory according to the label of the property-specific identification code. In this case, information can be retrieved and reviewed for each specific part (cut part). In alternative embodiments, if more than one parameter is measured for a part, an average value of the measurements is determined and used for further processing, or using a property-specific identification code Can be stored in memory.

In some advantageous embodiments the marking comprises laser engraving. Laser engraving is the labeling or marking of a workpiece with an intense laser beam. Laser engraving changes the workpiece itself to be engraved. Therefore, the processing and input energy are material dependent. Advantageously, laser engraving is waterproof, stain resistant and durable. Laser engravings can be produced quickly, automatically, and individually and independently of the workpiece. It is also possible to apply very small machine readable markings such as QR codes, bar codes or data matrix codes directly to the workpiece or cut part.

In an alternative embodiment, laser printing can be used to generate the characteristic unique identification code. In contrast to laser engraving, in laser printing only the application of pigment onto the printed part is controlled by a weak laser beam.

In some advantageous embodiments the marking comprises surface printing. Surface machines apply large amounts of ink. The image is not as sharp as with other methods because the ink is pressed into the material. Also, since there is no drying step between each color application, the order in which the colors are applied is very important to keep the inks from mixing with each other. Due to the amount of ink required to imprint and imprecise image rendering, surface printing has a very unique appearance.

In some advantageous embodiments, marking includes applying etiquette. Etiquette, also called a label, can be designed as a strip of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal or other material attached to a workpiece or cut part. A characteristic-specific identification code can be written or printed on the etiquette. In one embodiment, the characteristic unique identification code can be printed via a scanner or mobile device as a barcode or QR code readable using a corresponding software application.

In some advantageous embodiments, the method further comprises, after measuring the workpiece properties, evaluating whether the measured properties have a technical impact on subsequent processing steps, if yes Supplementary machining plans are calculated only for Advantageously, less computational resources are required. For example, the effects of thickness differences compensate for the effects of tensile strength differences so that they cancel each other out and the basic program can be used.

The invention also provides a computer program product that causes a processor in a computer associated with the automation system to perform the method according to any of the preceding method claims when the computer program is run on the computer. Implementation of the present invention by means of a computer program product can easily adopt existing processing apparatus, such as computers, industrial computers or server units, by updating the software to operate as proposed by the present invention. has the advantage of being able to

According to a second aspect, a planner is provided for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan for a workpiece to be machined by a machine. The planner has an interface that receives workpiece properties, including thickness parameters. The planner further comprises a processing unit adapted to calculate at least one supplemental machining plan specific to the measured workpiece properties.

According to a third aspect, an automated system is disclosed comprising a processing machine, in particular a laser cutting machine, equipped with a planner according to the invention.

The above-described properties, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and easier to understand in the light of the following description and embodiments, which are explained in more detail in the context of the drawings. The following description does not limit the invention with respect to the included embodiments. The same components or parts may be identified with the same reference numerals in different figures. The figures are generally not to scale. It is to be understood that preferred embodiments of the invention can also be the dependent claims or any combination of the above embodiments with the respective independent claim.

In the following, possible embodiments of different aspects of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures.

The scope of the invention is determined by the claims and is not limited by the features discussed herein or shown in the drawings.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an automated system according to an embodiment of the third aspect; Fig. 4 schematically shows a planner according to a second embodiment; 1 schematically shows a state-of-the-art method for fabricating a bent part; FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the first aspect; FIG. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect; Fig. 4 schematically shows a part made in a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 schematically shows an automated system 100 according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, planner 10 has access to processing machines, in particular laser cutting machine L and/or bending machine B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Planner 10 may be configured as a stand-alone electronic device. In one embodiment, the planner 10 is part of the processing machine L. The planner 10 may be connected to the processing machine L via a communication connection. Communication connections may include serial communication connections such as Ethernet, CAN bus and/or RS-485. The planner 10 is configured to calculate at least one supplemental machining plan P for a workpiece to be machined by the machine L. For calculating the supplementary machining plan P, a plurality of parameters are considered individually or in different combinations. The work properties that are taken into account may include work W thickness, material composition, hardness, yield tensile strength, hardenability. Not all workpiece characteristics have the same impact on cut part quality. Any or a combination of the characteristics will add some error to the calculation of the supplemental machining plan P, and further combinations can equalize this error.

The machine may also be provided in the form of a bending machine B. The bending machine B may also receive a supplemental machining plan P for the workpiece. The supplemental machining plan P is adapted to specific measured workpiece properties.

Figure 2 schematically shows a planner 10 according to an embodiment of the second aspect.

Planner 10 may be implemented as any type of electronic device comprising a processor 12, such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), special purpose processor or microprocessor. The processor 12 is adapted to perform a special computational task, ie a computational task for calculating at least one supplementary machining plan P for the workpiece W to be machined by the machining machines L,B. The electronic device for performing the computing tasks described above may be a personal computer or a workstation on a computer network, coupling the processing unit 12, a system memory, and various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 12. and a system bus. The computer may also include a hard disk drive for reading from and writing to the hard disk. A hard disk drive may be coupled to the system bus through a hard disk interface. The drives provide nonvolatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. Additionally, the measured workpiece properties and/or the generated supplemental machining plan P may be stored on the planner 10 hard disk drive. In alternative embodiments, workpiece characteristics and/or supplementally generated machining plans P may be centrally stored in a server structure or cloud computing system.

An operator can enter commands and information into the planner 10 using input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices. Other input devices such as microphones, touch panels, scanners, etc. may also be included. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit via a serial interface coupled to the system bus. However, input devices can also be connected via other interfaces such as a parallel port or universal serial bus (USB). A monitor (eg, GUI) or other type of display device may also be connected to the system bus via an interface such as a video adapter. In addition to monitors, computers can also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers and printers.

Additionally, the planner comprises an interface 11 . The interface 11 is arranged to connect the planner 10 to means for detecting workpiece properties and to the processing machines L,B. The interface 11 may comprise an input interface and an output interface for receiving data (input) for performing at least one supplementary machining plan calculation, for example workpiece properties including thickness parameters, thereby supplementing the results of the calculation. It may be configured to be provided in the form of a machining plan P (output). Interface 11 may be further configured to provide supplemental machining plans to the machine. In one embodiment, two separate interfaces may be implemented within the planner 10 that connect the planner 10 to communicate with the machine tools L, B and/or means for measuring workpiece properties, e.g. sensors. configured to

Further, interface 11 may be configured to connect planner 10 to networks including intranets and/or the Internet. Therefore, the interface can be configured as an Ethernet interface. In further embodiments, additional Ethernet interfaces may be provided. Communication of means for measuring machine and workpiece properties, such as sensors, is realized via these networks. In one embodiment, planner 10 may be partially or fully hosted on a server or implemented by a cloud computing platform. Operators may access the planner via remote access.

As mentioned above, the interface 11 may be configured with an output interface (not specifically shown) for providing the supplemental machining plan P.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the first aspect.

The method includes two steps in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. In a first step S1, workpiece properties are measured. The work properties include at least a work thickness parameter. In one embodiment, measuring further workpiece properties such as material structural parameters, material hardness parameters, grain parameters, internal tensile strength parameters and/or yield tensile strength parameters, hardenability parameters, and/or temperature parameters. can be done.

In a further step S2, at least one supplementary machining plan P is provided, which is specific to the measured workpiece properties. The supplemental machining plan P includes at least one supplemental cutting plan. In one embodiment, the supplemental machining plan serves both cutting and bending. Supplemental machining plans are specific to measured workpiece properties.

In one embodiment, the method according to the first aspect includes providing a supplemental machining plan P to the processing machines L,B and operating the processing machines L,B with the supplemental machining plan P. The processing machines may include a cutting machine L and/or a bending machine B.

In a further embodiment, the method according to the first aspect further comprises, after measuring the workpiece properties, evaluating whether the measured properties have a technical impact on subsequent processing steps, if YES Supplemental machining plans will be calculated only when

Advantageously, the measured workpiece properties can be used to improve machining performed on the cut parts, such as milling, drilling, tapping, and/or welding.

Figure 5 schematically depicts a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates an off-line procedure (or pre-active procedure) by selecting an appropriate machining plan from a set of pre-calculated machining plans P (“pre-actively”) for different workpiece characteristics. 4 schematically illustrates the provision of a supplemental processing plan for .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, software 500 is provided that includes a part in 3D data format 501 to be manufactured. A 3D data format 501 is developed on a planar shape 51 . In the offline procedure, multiple complementary machining plans 503 are generated instead of flat patterns. One machining plan 503 is provided for each of a particular set of near-nominal thicknesses and tensile strengths. At step 504, an identifier may be generated that may be associated with each plan. A machining plan is generated at 505 for each parameter of the workpiece property that deviates from the nominal value. The planner 10 generates different machining plans P, in particular different cutting plans and different bending plans.

The generated processing plan P is transferred and loaded to the processing machines L, B, particularly the laser cutting machine L, in step 511 . At 514 , workpiece properties may be measured at the laser cutting machine L or at an automated device of the automated system 100 . The measurements may include thickness measurements. At step 512, the appropriate supplemental cutting plan P is loaded. A process plan P containing the closest measured thickness value is loaded into the laser cutting machine L and the sheet metal loaded in step 511 is processed at 515 . In step 513 the identifier is updated. The measurement of the workpiece properties can be performed at the laser cutting machine L or the automated device 510. FIG. The automation device of the automation system 100 may comprise a conveyor belt and a transport and lift unit with transport and lift functions. The cut parts are marked with a measurement-specific or property-specific identification code C (this means that the code C is specific, for example, to the thickness or grain of the material measured).

At step 523, the part is identified by an identifier previously attached to the part. At step 521 the appropriate supplemental machining plan is loaded or selected from a set of precomputed plans. In a subsequent step 522, the material or cut parts are bent according to the selected complementary machining plan P. Characteristic unique identification codes C include laser engraving, surface printing, and/or attachment of etiquette or labels. After marking the cut parts, the parts are transferred to bending machine B (reference number 520 in FIG. 5).

In an alternative embodiment, the workpiece properties are measured on an automated device of the automated system. Before the laser cutting machine L is loaded with a workpiece, for example sheet metal, the workpiece is marked with a characteristic-specific identification code C corresponding to the measured characteristic value. The property-specific identification code is read by, for example, a scanner, a camera, and loaded with the corresponding supplementary machining plan for cutting machining.

After reading 523 the property-specific identification code C in bending machine B via a scanner or camera, the corresponding bending program for performing bending 522 is loaded 521 . Thus, using the method according to the invention increases the accuracy of the entire production line.

Figure 6 schematically depicts a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect. Specifically, FIG. 6 schematically illustrates providing supplemental machining plans by calculating at least one supplemental machining plan in an online procedure (or reactive procedure).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, software 600 is provided that includes the part to be manufactured in 3D data format. A 3D data format is received or read at step 601 and expanded into planar geometry at step 602 . An identifier is added in step 603 . A so-called "plan ID" may contain a "new" plan and/or sub-plan number and/or a factor or factors for recalculating an existing plan. Plan IDs should be adjusted like part IDs. The identifier provides recognizable information about what the part is. Further, a machining plan is generated at 604 using theoretical values for the material (nominal thickness values received by the sheet metal feeder interface, metallurgical values, etc.). A machining plan may include a cutting plan for cutting a workpiece, eg, a metal sheet. A machining plan with all base parts is sent to the machine L, B, in particular the laser cutting machine L.

The machine L (depicted with reference number 610 in FIG. 6) is loaded with sheet metal at step 611 . The sheet metal is provided by the automation equipment of the automation system 100, which may comprise a conveyor belt and/or a transport and lift unit with transport and lift functions. Measuring the workpiece properties (or detecting the properties at step 614) can be done at the laser cutting machine L or with an automated device. In a further step 612, the provided generic machining plan, including theoretical values, is loaded into the machines L,B. After measuring and knowing the workpiece properties, the generic machining plan loaded (step 612) on the machine is recalculated at step 616 and adjusted according to the measured workpiece properties. Thus, in step 616, in response to the detected (measured or received) material property, i.e. after the measurement has been performed or after a value for the measurement has been provided (e.g. via an external interface) , “reactively” a complementary and specific machining plan P is generated and calculated. The workpiece is cut in step 615 using the supplemental machining plan P recalculated according to the online procedure. Additionally, according to the supplemental machining plan P, the property-specific identification code C for the cut part is updated at step 613 . A characteristic unique identification code C is applied to the cut parts by laser engraving, surface printing and/or etiquette or labeling. Based on the measured workpiece properties, the correct radius is applied, the bend stretch per bend is adjusted, the springback value and the correction for "hardness dip" are also adjusted.

Additionally, a new bending plan may be generated and provided to bending machine B after a supplemental machining plan (cutting plan) has been generated. The part to be bent is identified using the unique characteristic unique identification code C in step 623 . In bending/automation 620, the bend plan corresponding to property unique identification code C is loaded at step 621. FIG. The bend plan includes instructions for causing bender B to perform the bend at step 622 . In one embodiment, the bending plan is executed when the operator of bending machine B triggers and confirms uploading of the bending plan corresponding to the characteristic-specific identification code C of the cut part. Since the confirmation is performed manually, safety is improved. Every part has a different value for its property represented by a property-specific identification code C (which as mentioned above can be a multi-dimensional code such as a vector representing multiple material properties). This is necessary to identify the part before performing the bending procedure. Furthermore, this ensures that the correct supplemental machining plan P for bending is automatically loaded. The cut parts can be identified by a characteristic unique identification code C incorporated by laser engraving, surface printing, etiquette or the use of labels.

Figures 7a-7e schematically show a method according to a further embodiment of the first aspect.

In FIG. 7a a workpiece W, for example sheet metal, is shown. Workpiece W may include a non-uniform thickness distribution. By way of example, two different values are shown in FIG. 7a. In actual measurements many more different values are measured (see Fig. 7b). Reference numeral 701 indicates the thickness used for programming the machining plan in the state of the art method described according to FIG. 3, which may be provided by the supplier of the workpiece. This provided thickness usually does not always correspond to the actual (real, measured) thickness value. Also, the thickness values may vary across the workpiece W. FIG. To ensure constant quality during cutting and bending, it is necessary to take into account all thickness values over the entire workpiece W, or deviations from the nominal value (see Fig. 7b). In one embodiment, the measurements may include manual measurements using vernier calipers. A vernier caliper can be used to measure the thickness value 702 . The measurements presented by FIG. 7a can provide global thickness information for the entire workpiece W. FIG.

In an alternative embodiment, the measurement may include automatic thickness detection on automation equipment of the automation system 100 during transfer of the workpiece W to the processing machine L. In this embodiment, the sensor S may be installed in the automation equipment of the automation system.

In a further embodiment, the thickness measurement is performed by a sensor S. The sensor S can be installed in the laser head itself inside the cutting machine. The sensor S takes measurements during a specific period/continuous operation of the processing machine L.

In Figure 7b, the workpiece 7b is loaded into the processing machine L after having been transported by the automation device of the automation system. A laser head including sensor S can be moved around the sheet metal. A topography of the actual thickness of the workpiece W can be created, which provides a complementary machining plan P for cutting the workpiece W and bending the cut parts.

FIG. 7c shows a further embodiment of measuring the thickness of the workpiece W. FIG. The thickness of the work W is measured while the work W is transferred into the processing machine L by the automation device of the automation system 100 . The laser head can only be used in one direction and the sensor S takes measurements during entry of the workpiece W at the distal end. By making this measurement, it is possible to use a reference device in automation, for example a shuttle device. A topography of the actual thickness of the work W is created, which provides a complementary machining plan for cutting the work W and bending the cut parts.

In a further embodiment, the thickness measurements may be performed by an array of laser rangefinders during entry of the part from the automation equipment of the automation system 100, for example, during transfer of the transfer table from the automation equipment to the machine L. can. In FIG. 7d, sensors S, for example laser rangefinders, can be mounted above and below the entrance position of the seat and a "delta" measurement can be employed. A topography of the actual thickness of the workpiece W can be created, which provides a complementary machining plan P for cutting the workpiece W and bending the cut parts.

In a further embodiment, the thickness measurement can be made by a sensor S on the drill head of the drill system, as shown in Figure 7e. In the embodiment of FIG. 7e, the measurements can be processed as the workpiece W is loaded into the machine L or while entering the machine L. In the embodiment of FIG.

According to Figures 7a-7e, only the work property "thickness" has been considered. During these measurements further workpiece properties such as material structure parameters, material hardness parameters, grain parameters, parameters of internal tensile strength and tensile yield strength, hardenability parameters and temperature parameters are also determined using corresponding measuring methods. can be measured by

Figure 8a schematically illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the first aspect.

In FIG. 8a a workpiece W, for example sheet metal, is shown. The structure of the workpiece W must be detected before starting to cut the sheet metal. Therefore, structure recognition may be performed in a first step. There are multiple devices for obtaining these basic parameters, such as hardness testers or X-ray fluorescence analyzers that provide information on hardness and material type. A hardness tester can give a good indication of how much the workpiece W deviates from the standard material. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy can give a good indication of material type. If the material composition inside the workpiece W does not vary so much, one measurement is sufficient.

The detection of the material structure of the workpiece W shown in FIG. 8a can be done manually or automatically. A hardness tester or an X-ray fluorescence (Sensor S) analyzer, or both, can be mounted near the laser head.

The laser head can be moved after the workpiece W has entered the cutting area in the cutting machine L, as shown in FIG. 8b. A hardness chart can be generated that provides precise compositional information of the workpiece W that has been entered.

In a further embodiment, one or both devices can be used in conjunction with the laser head itself while the workpiece W is entering the cutting machine L from the automation device of the automation system 100, as shown in FIG. 8c. The laser head can be moved in one direction and takes measurements at the distal end while the workpiece W is entering. A hardness chart can be generated that provides precise compositional information of the workpiece W that has been entered.

In a further embodiment, structure recognition can be provided by a sensor S on the drill head of the drill system, as shown in Figure 8d. The sensor may include a durometer or an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. In the embodiment of FIG. 8d, the measurements can be processed while the workpiece W is being loaded into the machine L,B or entering the machine L,B. A hardness chart can be generated that provides precise compositional information of the workpiece W that has been entered.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a part fabricated using an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of Figure 9a, a fabricated part is shown. When nesting parts with multiple contours, enough space must be provided to allow the parts to be inserted with new margins to compensate for material variations. The grain direction is an offset to the bending parameters that can be handled by software functions. Two parameters can be used to map the sheet metal and adjust the margins. In various cases, the variation in hardness eliminates or compensates for the difference in thickness. In further cases, these variations amplify each other. A seat map can be created with different zones integrating hardness parameters, thickness parameters, and/or material composition. The material composition is valid for the entire sheet metal, but may differ compared to the original material. In Figure 9a, reference number 901 refers to the area affected by the change in radius.

Additionally, tolerances of cut parts must be considered when programming supplemental machining plans. Since parts are designed with theoretical thickness, it is by definition impossible to obtain all dimensions if there is variation in workpiece thickness. During the programming step, it is necessary to define critical dimensions and shift possible error locations. A control step must ensure that the part is manufacturable and that there are no discrepancies between dimensions and tolerances.

In FIG. 9b, reference number 904 refers to a new single radius region after application of supplemental machining plan P, which includes a new set of thickness/material properties. Reference numerals 902 and 903 refer to the new positions of the edges after applying a new supplemental machining plan P containing a new set of thickness/material properties.

In FIG. 9c a cut part containing a characteristic unique identification code C is shown. All parts with different property values are marked with a property-specific identification code C. This is necessary to identify the part before performing the bending procedure.

In any case not explicitly mentioned above, each of the embodiments described in connection with the drawings, or each of their respective aspects and features, may be meaningfully combined or interchanged without departing from the meaning of the invention. Whenever possible, they may be combined or interchanged with each other without limiting or broadening the scope of the inventions described. The advantages described with respect to particular embodiments of the invention or with respect to particular figures are also advantages of other embodiments of the invention, whenever applicable.

L, B processing machine B bending machine C identification code L laser cutting machine P supplementary processing plan S sensor S1-S2 method steps W workpiece 10 planner 11 interface 12 central processing unit 100 automation System 300-302 Prior art process method steps 310-313 Prior art process method steps 320-322 Prior art process method steps 500-505 Process method steps 510-515 Process method steps , 520-523 processing method steps, 600-604 processing method steps, 610-616 processing method steps, 620-623 processing method steps, 701,801 provided thickness values, 702,802 measured thickness values, 901 ~904 characteristics.

Several systems are known for compensating or correcting the problem of erroneous thickness values and, as a result, erroneous calculation of bend angles in the state of the art. For example, Swiss Patent No. 654761 and US Pat. No. 5,375,340 disclose mechanical measurement systems for measuring bending accuracy. Further systems for measuring bend angles with optics are also known. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/111177 discloses sheet thickness variation compensation. The major press brake suppliers offer the solutions disclosed in the cited patent documents and have achieved bend angle results within 0.5°. Only the most expensive systems have the solution disclosed in the patent document CH 654761, US Pat. No. 5,375,340 for in-process correction of the bend angle. The solution disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/111177 can be done in-process, but often can only provide a partial solution. Therefore, a system that provides a solution for correcting erroneously calculated bend angles requires a high investment.
Patent document EP 1 338 371 discloses a laser cutting machine. In this patent, the thickness of the object is measured to determine the focal point of the laser light. This focal point establishes a modified pre-softening or "crack" area, which facilitates cutting of the object.
German Utility Model No. 202005011455 describes measuring the layer thickness of a three-dimensional vehicle interior, such as a vehicle dashboard or vehicle interior trim, and determining the laser power required for machining the vehicle interior trim. there is
US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0156051 describes quality control of objects, such as three-dimensional medical prostheses, manufactured using laser-equipped robots, wherein the medical prostheses are manufactured using laser-equipped robots. By measuring dimensions such as thickness, height, length, diameter, curvature, etc., it must be fitted to fit each patient's unique anatomical features.

According to a first aspect, the task is to calculate at least one supplementary machining plan for a sheet metal workpiece to be machined by a machine , i.e. a laser cutting machine and /or a bending machine (used for subsequent bending). A computer-implemented method for The computer-implemented method comprises:
- measuring workpiece properties, including workpiece thickness parameters;
- providing at least one supplemental machining plan, specific to the measured workpiece properties, useful for both cutting and subsequent bending .

The invention also provides a computer program product that causes a processor in a computer associated with a processing unit of a planner to perform a method according to any of the preceding method claims when the computer program is run on the computer. do. Implementation of the present invention by means of a computer program product can easily adopt existing processing apparatus, such as computers, industrial computers or server units, by updating the software to operate as proposed by the present invention. has the advantage of being able to

According to a second aspect, a planner is provided for calculating at least one supplementary machining plan for a sheet metal workpiece to be machined by a machine , namely a laser cutting machine and/or a bending machine . The planner has an interface that receives workpiece properties, including thickness parameters. The planner further comprises a processing unit adapted to calculate at least one supplemental machining plan specific to the measured workpiece properties.

Claims (15)

A computer-implemented method for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan (P) for a workpiece (W) to be machined by a machine (L, B), comprising:
- measuring workpiece properties including thickness parameters of said workpiece (W);
- providing at least one supplementary machining plan (P) specific to said measured workpiece properties. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said at least one supplemental machining plan (P) is unique to property distributions across said workpiece (W) and adapted to subsequent machining requirements. A method characterized by 3. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing of the workpiece (W) comprises cutting, in particular cutting with a laser cutter, and the supplementary processing plan (P) is a supplemental cutting plan. A method characterized by: 4. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing of the workpiece (W) comprises cutting and subsequent bending of the workpiece (W), wherein at least the cutting plan is supplemented based on the measured workpiece properties and based on the subsequent bending requirements. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one supplementary machining plan (P) is provided before starting said machining. Method. 6. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the step of providing comprises, after the material properties are measured, the at least one supplemental machining plan ( A method characterized in that it is performed by calculating P). 6. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the providing step selects an appropriate machining plan from a set of pre-calculated machining plans for different workpiece characteristics. A method characterized in that it is performed in an off-line procedure by 8. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the workpiece property is a set of parameters,
- thickness parameters that can be measured by pressure sensors or strain gauges,
- material structural parameters measured by X-ray spectroscopy,
- material hardness parameters measured by a hardness tester,
- grain parameters,
- an internal tensile strength parameter and/or a yield tensile strength parameter,
- a set of parameters comprising: - a curability parameter of the material; and/or - a temperature parameter and/or other material property parameters. 9. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the thickness parameter of the workpiece (W) is determined during a measurement cycle or of the workpiece to an automation system (100). A method characterized in that it is measured only once during an approach, in particular between table changes. 10. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the workpiece property, in particular the thickness parameter, is measured position-independently or are measured multiple times at different locations to obtain a two-dimensional spatially resolved characteristic map of the workpiece. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the workpiece (W) is measured by at least one distance sensor (S) and/ Or a method, characterized in that said distance sensor is arranged on a transfer unit of an automation system or on a laser head of a laser cutting machine (L) and/or on a drill head or another working head. 12. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein a part-specific function is provided to map the measured workpiece properties to the particular part that was cut, and each cut A method, characterized in that the marked part is marked with a characteristic-specific identification code (C), said marking comprising laser engraving, surface printing and/or applying etiquette. A method according to any one of the method claims from 1 to 12, wherein the computer program product is a processor in a computer associated with an automation system, when said computer program is executed on said computer. A computer program product characterized by causing the execution of A planner (10) for calculating at least one supplemental machining plan (P) for a workpiece (W) to be machined by a machine (L),
- an interface (11) for receiving workpiece properties including thickness parameters;
- a processing unit ( 12). Automation system (100), characterized in that it comprises a processing machine (L, B), in particular a laser cutting machine (L), equipped with a planner (10) according to claim 14.

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